Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City have identified a biomarker that may predict poor pregnancy outcomes in lupus patients. The study was presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting.

Dr. Jane Salmon and colleagues found that an imbalance of angiogenic factors, proteins required for the development of the placenta and the health of blood vessels, is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. "Hopefully, this will facilitate trials of novel treatments to prevent these devastating complications," Dr. Salmon said.